Weird and Wonderful Exoplanets: Exploring Extraordinary Worlds
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Exoplanets
Earth may seem unusual with its large moon and abundant life, but it serves as a reference point for what we consider a typical planet. What about the truly bizarre exoplanets that have been identified? Let's delve into some of the most fascinating examples!
Section 1.1: KELT-9b
KELT-9b is a gas giant that orbits closely to a blue A-type star and is tidally locked. Remarkably, it is hotter than many stars, with temperatures so extreme that molecules on its sunlit side disintegrate. With a mass 2.8 times that of Jupiter but only half as dense, its year spans just two Earth days, and its seasons last a mere nine hours. Additionally, its orbit is tilted at an angle to the star's rotation, a mystery yet to be unraveled.
This video, Exoplanets: Weird, Wondrous Worlds, takes a closer look at KELT-9b and other extraordinary planets.
Section 1.2: 55 Cancri e
Next up is 55 Cancri e, a planet five times larger than Earth that is essentially a vast expanse of molten lava. With a year that lasts less than a day, its horizon is ablaze, and it has a companion planet looming in the sky. On the dark side, clouds composed of silicates glimmer due to the reflected lava, making it resemble a fiery abode.
Subsection 1.2.1: TOI 849 b
TOI 849 b is another tidally locked planet with a scorching surface temperature of nearly 2,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite its mass being 40 times that of Earth, it is only three times larger. It lacks an atmosphere, which is puzzling for a planet of its size. The prevailing theory suggests it may have spiraled too close to its star, losing its atmosphere in the process, giving us a glimpse of what Neptune might look like without its gaseous cover.
Section 1.3: HD 189733 b
Contrasting with our blue skies and oceans, HD 189733 b is a gas giant with a stunning cobalt blue appearance. Unfortunately, its atmosphere contains clouds made of glass, where winds whip shards through the air at speeds reaching 5,400 mph. Not even a robot would fare well in such conditions.
Subsection 1.3.1: TrES-2b
TrES-2b is known as the darkest planet ever discovered, with an albedo so low it reflects less than 1% of incoming light. While it isn't actually vantablack, its extreme darkness invites curiosity about its composition and properties, leaving ample room for science fiction speculation.
Chapter 2: The Future of Exoplanet Discovery
As we continue our exploration of the cosmos, we are bound to uncover even more peculiar and extraordinary worlds that challenge our understanding of planetary formation and characteristics.
In the video Strange and Intriguing Exoplanets, we explore additional oddities in our universe.